What Is a Telemedicine Visit?

There is evident change in the provision of healthcare services and telemedicine has emerged as the standard approach. We at Smart Choice Clinic have vowed to offer efficient and affordable care through offering telemedicine visits. By the end of the reading, you’ll be informed of what telemedicine is, how it functions, and the advantages it has.

Understanding Telemedicine

It is the use technology to deliver healthcare services remotely. Your healthcare provider can evaluate, diagnose, and treat you without requiring an in-person visit. This approach uses tools like video calls, phone calls, mobile apps, and secure messaging platforms to connect you and your  and provider.

How Does a Telemedicine Visit Work?

Telemedicine consultation does not differ much from an ordinary onsite appointment. Here's what you can expect:

• Scheduling Your Appointment: Consult our telemedicine page to get the link and arrange your appointment or you may call the office directly to schedule. 
• Preparing for the Visit: Check your connection, have a device with camera and microphone such as a cell phone or computer etc.  and ensure that you are in a place that offers privacy.
• Joining the Session: On the scheduled time, click on the link to the secure platform that you will receive via our clinic.
• Consultation with Your Provider: Give your treatment will depend on your symptoms, medical history or any concerns you may at the time of the appointment. Labs may be ordered and medications may be prescribed if needed at that time. 
• Follow-Up Care: Depending on the nature of your visit, a follow-up may be needed.  

Benefits of Telemedicine Visits

The concept of telemedicine is awesome as it has numerous advantages to the patient and clinics. Below are some of the key advantages:

Convenience and Accessibility

Telemedicine does away with physical contact which otherwise would take a lot of time to get to a clinic. Through the telemedicine solution, patients in busy and remote places can also receive the best treatment without even having to leave their homes.

Faster Access to Care

Another advantage of telemedicine is that patients tend to get an appointment more quickly. This is especially important for conditions, which have not reached emergency stages but where early action may be needed. 

Cost Benefits for Patients

Reduced Travel Costs

• No need to spend money on fuel, parking, or public transportation to reach a clinic or hospital.

Lower Visit Costs

• Telemedicine consultations are often less expensive than in-person visits, especially for routine care or minor illnesses.

Minimized Time Off Work

• Patients save time by avoiding travel and waiting rooms, reducing the need to take unpaid leave for medical appointments.

Avoiding Emergency Room Visits

• Minor issues can be addressed via telemedicine, preventing costly ER or urgent care visits.

Childcare or Elder Care Savings

• Parents or caregivers can attend appointments from home without hiring babysitters or alternative care providers.

Chronic Disease Management Savings

• Regular virtual follow-ups help manage chronic conditions, reducing the likelihood of expensive complications or hospitalizations.

Improved Patient Outcomes

• Because it makes it easy for patients to get follow-up care and other treatments, telemedicine is very effective at ensuring that patients follow their doctors’ recommendations. This results in enhancing of health status in duration.

Enhanced Privacy and Comfort

• Telemedicine eliminates the need for patients to travel to a medical facility, offering the flexibility to have consultations from the comfort of their homes, offices, or any location of their choice. This not only saves time and effort but also ensures privacy, as patients can access care without anyone else knowing.

Conditions Treated via Telemedicine

At Smart Choice Clinic, we use telemedicine to manage a wide range of medical health concerns, enhancing accessibility and reducing barriers to care. For a complete list of services that we offer via telemedicine, please visit our telemedicine page.  

• Chronic Disease Management: Diabetes, hypertension and asthma.
• Mental Health Services: Psychiatric treatment for anxiety disorders, depression and stress disorders and pharmacotherapy management.
• Common Illnesses: The sicknesses include cold, flu, sinus infection, and allergies.
• Dermatological Concerns: acerbation of skin rashes, formation of aces, worsening of eczema.
• Medication Refills: Easy accesses to simple prescription refills. 

Acute Illnesses and Minor Conditions

• Cold, Flu, and Respiratory Infections (e.g., sinusitis, bronchitis, cough, sinus congestion, sinus infection)
• Allergies (seasonal or environmental)
• Skin Conditions (e.g., rashes, acne, eczema, psoriasis, insect bites)
• Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)
• Gastrointestinal Issues (e.g., diarrhea, constipation, acid reflux)
• Headaches and Migraines
• Pink Eye (Conjunctivitis)
• Sore Throat and Tonsillitis

Chronic Disease Management

• Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)
• Diabetes
• Asthma and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
• Thyroid Disorders
• Heart Disease (e.g., cholesterol management, medication adjustments)
• Arthritis (e.g., medication adjustments, physical therapy guidance)

Mental and Behavioral Health

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Stress Management
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
• Sleep Disorders (e.g., insomnia)

Skin, Hair, and Nail Concerns

• Acne
• Eczema
• Psoriasis
• Rosacea
• Fungal Infections (e.g., athlete’s foot, toenail fungus)

Women’s Health

• Birth Control Consultations
• Urinary Tract Infections
• Menstrual Irregularities
• Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
• Pre-menopause management 
• Menopause Management
• Hormone management 

Men’s Health

• Erectile Dysfunction (ED)
• Low Testosterone
• Hair Loss Treatments
• Prostate Health Counseling

Preventive Care and Wellness

• Health Screenings
• Weight Management
• Smoking Cessation Support
• Chronic Disease Prevention

Lifestyle and Wellness

• Weight Loss Programs
• Hormone Therapy (e.g., menopause or testosterone replacement therapy)
• Sleep Hygiene Counseling

Who Can Benefit from Telemedicine?

Everyone! Regardless of your lifestyle, telemedicine is a convenient solution for all of your medical needs. People who should take advantage of telemedicine include;

Individuals with Busy Schedules:

• Working professionals or students who find it difficult to take time off for in-person visits.

Patients in Rural or Underserved Areas:

• Those living far from healthcare facilities can access specialists and primary care without the need for travel.

People with Limited Mobility:

• Elderly patients, disabled individuals, or those recovering from a condition preventing you from leaving your home.

Travelers:

• Patients who are away from home but need non-emergency medical care.

Those Seeking Privacy:

• Patients who prefer discreet can benefit from telemedicine.

How to Maximize Your Telemedicine Visit

To make the most of your telemedicine appointment, consider these tips:

• Prepare Your Questions: Before the meeting, write down your questions/concerns related to the visit.
• Test Your Technology: Check that your device, camera, microphone and the internet connection are all in good condition.
• Be Punctual: Arrive a couple of minutes earlier than the scheduled meeting time, to ensure a smooth visit.  
• Pre-visit forms: Please complete and submit all pre-visit forms, have a list of medications you are taking ready. Write down the name and address of the pharmacy you prefer to use in case medications are prescribed after the visit. 

Telemedicine vs. In-Person Visits

Despite the high flexibility in using telemedicine for medical care, there are still situations where in-person physical examinations or tests that require direct interaction cannot be conducted via a virtual visit. However, telemedicine can be can be seen as a viable supplement to conventional health care, as it bridges healthcare gaps and enhances patients’ outcomes in general.

Why Choose Smart Choice Clinic?

You are our priority and we provide quality telemedicine solutions that meet your individual healthcare needs and concerns. Here's why patients trust us:

Patient-Centered Care: 

• At Smart Choice Medical Clinic, we put you first and prioritize your health and well-being. We take the time to listen to your concerns and tailor your care plan based on your unique needs, ensuring a holistic approach to treatment.

Experienced Providers:

• With over 17 years of healthcare experience and a deep commitment to patient care, our team provides expert consultations in a wide range of medical specialties, including chronic disease management, mental health, weight management, hormone balance and more.

Convenient and Accessible Care:

• At Smart Choice Medical Clinic, we understand that your time is valuable. Our telehealth visits are designed to fit seamlessly into your busy life. We strive to accommodate your schedule as best as possible, ensuring that you can access the care you need when it’s most convenient for you.

Comprehensive Health Services:

• From routine check-ups to specialized care, Smart Choice Medical Clinic offers a full range of services via telemedicine. We provide everything from hormone therapy and weight loss management to dermatology consultations, chronic disease monitoring, and mental health support.

Confidential and Secure:

• Your privacy and security are our top priorities. Our telehealth platform is HIPAA-compliant, ensuring your personal health information is protected at all times.

Cutting-Edge Technology:

• With a seamless, user-friendly virtual platform, you’ll have easy access to healthcare providers from the comfort of your own space. 

Comprehensive Follow-Up:

• At Smart Choice Medical Clinic, we don't just stop at the consultation. We ensure ongoing follow-up care whenever it's needed, providing continuous support to keep you on track with your health goals.

Future of Telemedicine

Telemedicine has been a major development in healthcare that changes the flow of the industry. With constant evolution of technology now, telemedicine is likely to become even more mainstream in the future. Integrated technologies such as self-monitoring tools and Robotic Process Automation in diagnosis will help to extend the quality and effectiveness of online clinical services more in the future.

Get Started with Telemedicine Today

Smart Choice Medical Clinic is the place to experience the benefits of telemedicine. Whether it's an acute concern, needing medications refill or managing a chronic health condition, sit back and let us provide exceptional healthcare services directly to you.

Call or Click the button below to book your telemedicine appointment today and take the first step toward a healthier, more convenient way of managing your health.